CALABASAS, CA — AmaWaterways has released a new video to coincide with Earth Day today that showcases its sustainability efforts.
Called ‘Sustainability On Board,’ the short video highlights several green initiatives, including eliminating single-use plastics, minimizing food waste and more. To watch the video click here.
“We are seeing a renewed interest from our travel partners and guests about sustainability, which we felt made it timely to introduce our new video on the topic,” said Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice-president of AmaWaterways.
“Protecting the environment and enriching the communities we visit is an ever-present responsibility. It is important to provide education and support documents to help travel advisors respond to their clients’ questions and direct them to the products and suppliers that meet their requirements. We are proud of our initiatives, and we will keep building each new ship and itinerary with sustainability in mind,” she added.
REDUCING PLASTIC & PAPER
To reduce overall plastic consumption, AmaWaterways uses paper straws, refillable glass water bottles as well as refillable Pure Herbs soap and shampoo dispensers in all staterooms. It also provides biodegradable Tetra Pak water containers for excursions. In addition, luggage tags are made from 100% recycled plastic bottle material and are now delivered to guest staterooms on board ships in Europe. The use of the myAmaCruise app and electronic travel documents has also virtually eliminated paper consumption bot pre-cruise and on board.
GREEN AWARD
AmaKristina was the first river cruise ship in the industry to receive the prestigious Green Award, which recognizes ships in Europe for their quality, safety and environmental performance. Since then, another 19 river cruise ships in AmaWaterways’ European fleet have earned the certification. All ships are able to connect to shoreside electric power, which further reduces fuel consumption and noise levels while in port. AmaWaterways has also lessened unnecessary food waste from large-scale buffets by serving à la carte lunches on board European ships.
THE SHIPS
Both Zambezi Queen and AmaMagna go above and beyond with their eco-friendly features. Zembezi Queen, which explores the Chobe River in Africa, uses a five-stage water purification plant, employing river water in the showers and tap aboard. The ship’s water jet propulsion system replaces a conventional system, ensuring there is no damage to the riverbed. Plus, throughout the night, the ship operates on battery power and only the low-emission generators run throughout the day.
In 2023, AmaMagna welcomed a brand new feature: solar panels on the awnings of select staterooms, producing energy equivalent to charging 20 Teslas an hour. The ship operates on a 10-engine diesel/electronic hybrid system, a first for the river cruise industry, which allows for less fuel usage and reduces noise levels. Even though the ship is twice the width of traditional river cruise ships, this new configuration of the engines is capable of reducing fuel consumption by up to 20% depending on river conditions.
To watch the new Sustainability On Board video, click here.
